Latest news with #AbRauf
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Melaka agricultural transformation to attract youth, reduce senior reliance
MELAKA: The Melaka government is rolling out a major agricultural transformation to address the ageing workforce in the sector and attract younger participants. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh revealed that only 1,316 youths, or 10.1%, are currently engaged in agriculture, while more than half of the state's farmers are aged 60 and above. 'We are now facing a serious challenge as the majority of those involved in agriculture are senior citizens. In light of this, the state government is committed to introducing a new transformation to ensure that farming becomes a career that can and should be passed down to future generations,' he said during the launch of the 2024 Melaka Agricultural Census Interim Report. The state aims to modernise farming through technology adoption, grants, and training to shift perceptions of agriculture as a low-income, traditional job. Ab Rauf highlighted that the sector generated RM3.6 billion in sales value, proving its economic potential. 'Access to grants, modern training and market opportunities will also be expanded for youth. These initiatives are aimed at shifting perceptions that agriculture is no longer a traditional occupation but a lucrative and professional career path,' he added. Another focus is land centralisation to help smallholders scale up operations. Melaka has 77,900 hectares of cultivated land, with 24,000 hectares under individual ownership and 53,400 hectares managed by organisations. Ab Rauf stressed the need for smarter land use policies and tech adoption to enhance productivity. - Bernama
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Melaka govt ramping up efforts to curb abandoned private land
MELAKA: The Melaka government is ramping up efforts to address the growing number of abandoned private lands across the state, warning that continued neglect could turn such plots into "man-made jungles". Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh ( pic ) said the state is taking a proactive stance by engaging private landowners to ensure idle land is put to productive use rather than left to deteriorate. 'We cannot allow these lands to sit untouched and become overgrown wastelands. 'One of our key strategies was to invite private landowners who have not developed their land to work together with the state government," he said. Speaking on the final day of the 15th Melaka state legislative assembly sitting at Seri Negeri in Ayer Keroh on Wednesday (July 23), Ab Rauf stressed that the government remains open to partnership and dialogue. He said such collaborations could pave the way for developments in agriculture, commercial enterprises or other productive sectors, benefiting both the state's economy and the owners themselves. 'Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges we face is the unwillingness of some landowners to cooperate. 'We will also continue to offer advisory services and development support to encourage more structured and well-planned land use," he said. As part of the broader plan, Ab Rauf said the state has rolled out the food security enhancement programme in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. 'This programme aims to sustainably utilise idle land for agricultural purposes, and at the same time contribute to the national food security agenda,' he said. Ab Rauf also pointed out that the state is prepared to act if landowners fail to respond. He said that among the steps available to authorities is issuing formal notices to urge landowners to clear and maintain their plots. "Land administrators can enforce Sections 125 to 129 of the National Land Code, which relate to breaches of express conditions on land use, if no action is taken by owners," he said. He added that landowners are given a specific timeframe to respond to these notices. 'Failure to reply or comply could result in enforcement action, including the forfeiture of land under Section 129 of the same Act,' he added.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
RM1.5 mln allocated for Pantai Siring erosion project in Melaka
JASIN: The Federal Government has allocated RM1.5 million to address coastal erosion at Pantai Siring in Pulai, Melaka, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). The project involves constructing a 120-metre rock revetment, set to begin in October and complete by year-end. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh stated that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate erosion, classified as moderate under the 2024 Integrated Shoreline Management Plan (ISMP). 'Pantai Siring currently experiences an erosion rate of 3.7 metres per year, down from 6.5 metres in 2015. However, three barrier collapses have occurred since September 2024, the latest on June 5,' he said during a site visit. The high tide phenomenon has also affected nearby shrimp farms and agricultural land, disrupting local livelihoods. Temporary measures, including jumbo bags and mangrove piling, were implemented at a cost of RM100,000. 'The state welcomes this allocation and remains committed to protecting Melaka's coastline for sustainability and economic stability,' Ab Rauf added. - Bernama
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Melaka to build inland port in Taboh Naning, says CM Ab Rauf
MELAKA: A new inland port in Taboh Naning here is poised to boost regional logistics capability without compromising environmental or public safety, says Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said the Melaka Inland Port (MIP), a development plan on 52.89ha of land owned by Perbadanan Melaka (MCORP), is set to become a secure and sustainable logistics hub that will exclude the handling of hazardous materials. "It's being designed to streamline cargo movement via railway, particularly supporting industries in Johor, Negri Sembilan and here. "The port will cater exclusively to container cargo, palletised goods, commercial items in full compliance with environmental, health and safety standards," he said during the second session of the 15th Melaka State Legislative Assembly on Monday (July 21). Ab Rauf said the planned port will focus solely on non-hazardous cargo and its development reflects our commitment to sustainable and responsible infrastructure. He said the project will adopt a full environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach, incorporating green technology, low-carbon rail connectivity, community empowerment and transparent governance. 'It aligns with Melaka's sustainability roadmap and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "We want this to be a benchmark for future developments that place both community welfare and environmental protection at the forefront,' he added. Phase One of the project, Ab Rauf revealed, will involve a gross development cost (GDC) of RM230.8mil, following a formal agreement signed between MCORP and DS Rail Mobility Sdn Bhd on June 13. He said the MIP is part of a wider development strategy for the MCORP Hi-Tech Park, which spans approximately 2.02ha and the planning for the port began in November last year. He said currently, the company is preparing documentation for planning permission from the local authorities, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the port. "Phase One of the project is expected to commence operations by October 2026, featuring components such as a spur line to the KTMB main railway, enclosed warehouses, a container yard, depot services, a Customs inspection centre and an operations office building," he said.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Melaka inland port to enhance rail logistics, attract investors
MELAKA: The Melaka Inland Port development in Taboh Naning, Alor Gajah, is set to streamline rail logistics for investors, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The 52.89-hectare project aims to facilitate trade in Melaka, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan. 'MCORP signed an agreement with DS Rail Mobility Sdn Bhd on June 13, 2025, to develop the project, with a gross development cost of RM230.8 million for Phase 1. This forms part of the larger MCORP Hi-Tech Park development, which covers 2,023 hectares,' he said during the Melaka legislative assembly sitting in Seri Negeri. The project, planned since November 2024, is undergoing documentation for approvals, including environmental impact assessments and local authority permits. Ab Rauf was responding to queries from Datuk Zulkiflee Mohd Zin (BN–Taboh Naning) regarding the port's progress. The development incorporates green technology, low-carbon rail connectivity, and community empowerment, aligning with Melaka's sustainability goals. 'This reflects a commitment to responsible development that prioritises local community wellbeing and environmental protection,' he added. To support the inland port, the Works Ministry has approved a RM30 million road upgrade from Simpang Ampat toll roundabout to the AMJ highway under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The upgrade includes widening the road to a dual carriageway, slope reinforcement, and drainage construction. 'The project is in the final stages of detailed design, with land acquisition processes expected to be submitted to the Melaka Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines in early August 2025,' said Ab Rauf. Tenders will be advertised in mid-August 2025, with contractor appointments by December 2025. - Bernama
